Move over Jimmy Olsen, Superman's first pal is here...Pete Ross moved into Smallville in Superboy #86 (Jan, 1961). Leo Dorfman and George Papp gave young Clark Kent not only a best buddy, but confidant. Pete stood up to those that bullied Clark, however it wasn't long before he realized he didn't have to. On a camping trip, a flash of lightning illuminated Clark's tent while he was changing into Superboy, revealing the Boy of Steel's identity to Ross.
Pete ran interference for Clark, so he could slip away when it was a job for Superboy. The Legion of Super-Heroes were so impressed with his loyalty, that Ultra Boy (who also befriended Ross) made him an honorary Legionnaire. Pete was given a special coin that could summon the Legion, and allow him access to their headquarters.
When Clark grew up, he and Pete drifted apart. But, nothing could've prepared Superman for how hostile their relationship would become. As an adult, Ross was a wealthy engineer(though in one story he's an equally rich geologist), and widower. When his son Jonathan is kidnapped by an alien race from the planet Nyrvn, Pete naturally asks Superman to rescue him. But, Clark (after a half-hearted attempt) refuses because the Legion has informed him that it would interfere with their history. Jonathan is destined to grow up to be the warlord of the Nyrvn, and they will one day save the Earth. Incredibly bitter, Pete snaps. He steals technology from Lex Luthor and transfers his mind into a time traveling Supeboy's body. He then, as Superboy, attacks Superman. Ross is eventually defeated, and returned to his proper body, but he is now insane. For months he is locked in an asylum, where he spends his time ripping up posters of Superman. Eventually, the guilt ridden Man of Steel, says to heck with destiny, and rescues Jonathan. The two boyhood chums then work on healing their relationship.
After Superman was revamped, following the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Pete's role in Clark's past was greatly diminished. In this new continuity, Clark never became Superboy. When it did come time to entrust the knowledge of his powers to someone, Kent chose Lana Lang. Pete and Lana would get married, and have a son named after Clark. Pete got into politics, and became Lex Luthor's Vice-President, when the villain tricked his way into the Oval Office. Pete would be President as well (after Luthor's schemes were exposed), but his term was short lived. He would suffer through divorcing Lana, and being framed (and cleared) as the super-baddie Ruin. Now, he once again resides in Smallville, where he is the supporting character of another Superboy (Conner Kent aka Kon-El).
Speaking of Smallville, the character was intregal to that show's early seasons. The blond haired comic character was portrayed by Sam Jones (an African-American actor), who helped the series capture the bond of friendship that Clark and Pete once had.
Tomorrow, we take a SPIN at honoring a rogue...
Pete ran interference for Clark, so he could slip away when it was a job for Superboy. The Legion of Super-Heroes were so impressed with his loyalty, that Ultra Boy (who also befriended Ross) made him an honorary Legionnaire. Pete was given a special coin that could summon the Legion, and allow him access to their headquarters.
When Clark grew up, he and Pete drifted apart. But, nothing could've prepared Superman for how hostile their relationship would become. As an adult, Ross was a wealthy engineer(though in one story he's an equally rich geologist), and widower. When his son Jonathan is kidnapped by an alien race from the planet Nyrvn, Pete naturally asks Superman to rescue him. But, Clark (after a half-hearted attempt) refuses because the Legion has informed him that it would interfere with their history. Jonathan is destined to grow up to be the warlord of the Nyrvn, and they will one day save the Earth. Incredibly bitter, Pete snaps. He steals technology from Lex Luthor and transfers his mind into a time traveling Supeboy's body. He then, as Superboy, attacks Superman. Ross is eventually defeated, and returned to his proper body, but he is now insane. For months he is locked in an asylum, where he spends his time ripping up posters of Superman. Eventually, the guilt ridden Man of Steel, says to heck with destiny, and rescues Jonathan. The two boyhood chums then work on healing their relationship.
After Superman was revamped, following the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Pete's role in Clark's past was greatly diminished. In this new continuity, Clark never became Superboy. When it did come time to entrust the knowledge of his powers to someone, Kent chose Lana Lang. Pete and Lana would get married, and have a son named after Clark. Pete got into politics, and became Lex Luthor's Vice-President, when the villain tricked his way into the Oval Office. Pete would be President as well (after Luthor's schemes were exposed), but his term was short lived. He would suffer through divorcing Lana, and being framed (and cleared) as the super-baddie Ruin. Now, he once again resides in Smallville, where he is the supporting character of another Superboy (Conner Kent aka Kon-El).
Speaking of Smallville, the character was intregal to that show's early seasons. The blond haired comic character was portrayed by Sam Jones (an African-American actor), who helped the series capture the bond of friendship that Clark and Pete once had.
Tomorrow, we take a SPIN at honoring a rogue...
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